Leather vs. Vinyl Handbags | Quality

Leather | AU

Choosing a quality

handbag or purse

made from the right

material is a critical

decision when you’re

shopping for your next

shoulder bag, clutch or

tote. Two of the most

popular materials used

to craft handbags is

undoubtedly leather

and vinyl. Many

consumers have a

tough time choosing

between the two. We’ll

walk you through vinyl vs. leather handbags and let you decide how they

stack up against each other.

Leather vs. Vinyl Handbags: Durability Comparison

When it comes to getting some bang for your buck and buying a product

that will truly last, leather is a total no-brainer. Vinyl, though cheaper to buy

at the counter, ultimately costs you more in the long run. How? It rips and

tears, suffers scuffs and other cosmetic damage and is just a flimsier, weaker

material overall.

Leather, on the other hand, is the very picture of durability. A quality leather

handbag will last you for years and years – until you decide to replace it with

another quality leather handbag, that is. Change in your fashion taste is the

only legitimate reason to ever swap out leather handbags. Vinyl handbags,

on the other hand, may force you to buy a new bag much sooner than you

would like.

Leather vs. Vinyl Handbags: Environmental Impact

Like a lot of cheaper products, the manufacture of vinyl material has grave

consequences for the environment. The process creates one of the most

toxic substances in the world, dioxin, which is incredibly harmful to plants,

animals and humans when leached into the environment. Also, lead has

been found in vinyl at 90 times higher levels than in lead-based paint. Vinyl

may cost you little from the initial purchase, but buying a vinyl handbag can

have far-reaching, and unforeseen, environmental consequences.

Leather handbags, however, if treated properly, can last you a lifetime. If

they tear, they can be rest itched. If they suffer some cosmetic damage,

their luster can be restored. And even if you do throw your leather handbag

away at some point (and why would you? You can donate it and the bag can

live a whole other life of its own), the material will eventually biodegrade,

whereas vinyl is in the world essentially forever. When it comes to thinking

green and eco-friendly in leather vs. vinyl handbags, leather wins hands

down.

Leather vs. Vinyl Handbags: Aesthetic Appeal

Let’s face it, ladies: a big part of choosing the right handbag for you is seeing

if it looks good. And when it comes to looking good, leather will beat vinyl

every time. Leather is a rich, soft and warm substance, and a leather

handbag can provide a timeless, elegant look to tie together any outfit.

Vinyl, meanwhile, is somewhat flimsy and tacky. Do you really want the first

impression of you to be a cheap black vinyl purse, or a nice, expensive-

looking leather shoulder bag?

There’s simply no better choice than leather when it comes to durability,

fashion and eco-friendliness. Browse our selection of leather handbags

today to see if we’ve got the right purse, tote or shoulder bag for you.